Leesburg 3-year-old drowns in pool in unfenced backyard

LEESBURG — A 22-year-old mother awoke Thursday to the commotion of emergency vehicles and first responders.

She immediately noticed her two children were missing. Police then notified her that her 3-year-old daughter had drowned in a neighbor's backyard pool.

"It was very difficult for all of the first responders," police Capt. Rob Hicks said. "There were several officers on the scene that were moms and dads, and they were affected by responding to the call. It is certainly a tragic case no matter how it turns out."

Jayonna Brown and her 4-year-old brother had entered an unfenced backyard on Bonaire Drive and gained access to the above-ground pool while their mother, Chante Anthony, was sleeping, according to Hicks.

When the toddler's brother realized Jayonna was in distress, he ran to a nearby residence, where a maintenance worker removed Jayonna from the pool and called for help about 12:40 p.m., Hicks said.

Emergency workers found Jayonna lying on the back deck of the residence. She was rushed to Leesburg Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Kristi Gray, spokeswoman for the state Department of Children and Families, said the surviving boy was taken into protective custody and is with relatives.